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Governor signs criminal justice reforms into law

Posted at 6:37 PM, Mar 31, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-31 20:47:43-04

SALT LAKE CITY — A sweeping series of criminal justice reforms have been signed into law by Governor Gary Herbert.

The governor signed House Bill 348 into law, which drops simple drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor and makes most traffic offenses infractions. More money will be committed toward substance abuse rehabilitation efforts.

“Utahns understand our prison gates must be a permanent exit from the system, not just a revolving door. Just like every other area of government, we need to ensure we are getting the best possible results for each taxpayer dollar,” Governor Herbert said in a statement. “We have taken significant steps to rebuild lives with a smarter, more efficient criminal justice system while enhancing public safety.”

After hinting that he may veto a bill that stripped Utah’s Air Quality Board of its ability to implement wood burning bans, the governor signed the bill into law. His office did not immediately provide a reason why.

The governor signed 82 bills into law on Tuesday, including massive education funding package. Here’s a list of bills signed into law:

Bill Number

Bill Name

Bill Sponsor

HB2

Public Education Budget Amendments

Sanpei, D.

HB15

Clean Fuel Amendments and Rebates

Handy, S.

HB34

Personal Injury Damages Amendments

McIff, K.

HB37

Reauthorization of Administrative Rules

Oda, C.

HB68

Student Privacy Study

Anderegg, J.

HB76

Insurance Cancellation and Nonrenewal Amendments

Anderegg, J.

HB83

Crimes Against Health Care Providers in Correctional System

Daw, B.

HB99

Association Open Meeting Amendments

Schultz, M.

HB107

Political Issues Committee Amendments

Greene, B.

HB124

Education Background Check Amendments

Handy, S.

HB140

Sovereign Lands Around Bear Lake

Webb, R.C.

HB158

Drill Status Travel Amendments

Peterson, V.

HB166

Election Revisions

Spendlove, R.

HB172

Payroll Services Amendments

Spendlove, R.

HB177

Modifications to Voting Law

Cox, F.

HB188

Transportation Corridor Preservation Amendments

Christofferson, K.

HB190

Assessment Area Act Modifications

Webb, R.C.

HB204

Tax Increment Amendments

Peterson, J.

HB207

Educator Tax Credit Study

Eliason, S.

HB208

School District Postemployment Health Insurance Benefits

Eliason, S.

HB243

Vintage Vehicle Amendments

Cox, F.

HB258

Employee Classification Amendments

Chew, S.

HB269

Tourist-oriented Highway Signing Program

Noel, M.

HB272

Forensic Mental Health Coordinating Council Amendments

Thurston, N.

HB282

Online Education Program Amendments

Daw, B.

HB283

Media Production Vehicle Exemption

McCay, D.

HB300

Firearm and Dangerous Weapons Amendments

Greene, B.

HB312

Reporting and Expenditure of Public Funds Amendments

DiCaro, S.

HB324

Search and Rescue Financial Assistance Amendments

DiCaro, S.

HB326

Federal Funds Commission Extension

Ivory, K.

HB332

Local Transportation Corridor Preservation Fund Amendments

Kennedy, M.

HB343

Utah Communication Authority Emergency Radio and 911 Amendments

Dee, B.

HB348

Criminal Justice Programs and Amendments

Hutchings, E.

HB353

Probation Amendments

Schultz, M.

HB355

Utah Agricultural Code Amendments

Handy, S.

HB360

Utah Education Amendments

Christensen, L.

HB396

Solid Fuel Burning Amendments

Dee, B.

HB402

New Convention Facilities Development Incentive Act Amendments

Wilson, B.

HB403

Online Education Survey Program Amendments

Eliason, S.

HB408

Catastrophic Wildfire and Public Nuisance Amendments

Christofferson, K.

HB411

Venture Capital Enhancement Amendments

Wilson, B.

HB420

Revisions to Transportation Funding

Anderson, Johnny

SB20

Uniform Driver License Act Amendments

Van Tassell, K.

SB23

State Highway System Amendments

Van Tassell, K.

SB25

Resource Development Coordinating Committee Reauthorization

Dayton, M.

SB39

Conditions of Probation

Jenkins, S.

SB59

Domestic Violence Amendments

Weiler, T.

SB63

Workers’ Compensation Fund Amendments

Bramble, C.

SB78

School District Property Tax Amendments

Stephenson, H.

SB96

Safety Inspection Revisions

Harper, W.

SB115

Assault Offenses Amendments

Thatcher, D.

SB117

Interventions for Reading Difficulties Pilot Program

Osmond, A.

SB131

Occupational Therapists Amendments

Davis, G.

SB135

Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Firefighters

Mayne, K.

SB136

Statute of Limitations for Criminal Fines, Fees, and Restitution

Hillyard, L.

SB137

Campaign and Financial Reporting Requirements Revisions

Weiler, T.

SB138

Service District Modifications

Stevenson, J.

SB139

Service District Amendments

Stevenson, J.

SB150

Driving Under the Influence Sentencing Revisions

Jenkins, S.

SB156

Energy Efficient Vehicle Tax Credit for Motorcycles

Dayton, M.

SB172

Emergency Medical Services Amendments

Bramble, C.

SB173

Financial Assurance Determination Review Process

Adams, J.S.

SB175

School Safety and Crisis Line

Thatcher, D.

SB196

Math Competency Initiative

Millner, A.

SB204

Parental Rights in Public Education Amendments

Osmond, A.

SB205

Assessment Area Revisions

Bramble, C.

SB222

Digital Teaching and Learning Program Proposal

Stephenson, H.

SB226

Search and Seizure Amendments

Madsen, M.

SB234

Utah Fire Prevention Board Amendments

Stephenson, H.

SB235

Education Modifications

Niederhauser, W.

SB237

Public Safety Amendments

Harper, W.

SB244

Department of Environmental Quality Modifications

Dayton, M.

SB245

School Grading Amendments

Millner, A.

SB248

Local Health Department Amendments

Okerlund, R.

SB258

Street-legal All-terrain Vehicle Amendments

Jenkins, S.

SB265

Abuse Deterrent Opioid Analgesic Drug Products

Stevenson, J.

SB268

Student Leadership Skills Grant

Osmond, A.

SB269

Family Expenses Amendments

Bramble, C.

SB281

Water Infrastructure Funding

Adams, J.S.

SB287

Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act Amendments

Bramble, C.

SB292

Achieving a Better Life Experience Program and Tax Credits

Weiler, T.

SB294

Transportation Network Company Amendments

Adams, J.S.